刀かたなの手て前まえ

noun

samurai's face; honor as a samurai

Historical term referring to a samurai's personal honor or dignity, often tied to the idea of being worthy of the sword one carries. Rare in modern usage outside historical or literary contexts.

• 刀かたなの手て前まえ、卑ひ怯きょうな真似まねはできぬ。

  For the sake of my honor as a samurai, I cannot do anything cowardly.